The readings for tonight wrapped up Reconstruction in the narrrow election of Hayes, elected after the corrupt rule of U.S. Grant. I agree with Mike that it appears that the radical reconstructionists did not get what they wanted in any way shape or form and the South emerged in a post-reconstruction atmosphere that is best described as stagnant. At least stagnant until the 1960's civil rights' movements. I think a lot of people view the civil rights movement as the definitive end to reconstruction. However I think it should be viewed as an ongoing progressive movement. We should not allow this opportunity for racial equality to become another point in history in which measures to preserve equality gradually become stagnant as they did in 1876 and on.
Another point, since according to the syllabus this is the last posting I will make. The Tony Horwitz book is incredible and should be required reading for all Southerners. It wraps up the course excellently, and keys in on many themes we have been exploring in the class. Namely why has the civil war continued to be such a driving force in American culture...